West Ham United boss Avram Grant has ruled out changes for the Carling Cup tie with Sunderland. West Ham are set to face Sunderland in the third round on Tuesday and will do so with the majority of their key men on display.

They know it is imperative they get back to winning ways after enduring a troubled start to the new season. A 1-1 draw at Stoke on Saturday helped them to turn the corner and Grant will be looking for his troops to build on that performance in midweek.

West Ham United boss Avram Grant has told that there was never a chance of Parker leaving the club. West Ham United boss Avram Grant was happy to see the transfer window close with Scott Parker still on the books.

Spurs were being linked with Parker right through to yesterday’s deadline day.

Grant said: “Parker? Nothing as far as I know. They know we want Scott Parker. He’s very important for us. This season is difficult but we have a project for the next seasons and Scott is very important.”

Sulejmani has stated his wish to join West Ham United but his transfer is being held up the managerial saga between Ajax and Fulham. The Hammers are reported to be on the trail of Serbian international Miralem Sulejmani with a view to a loan move from the Amsterdam club.

But with Fulham and Ajax locked in a tug-of-war battle over Jol, the wanted manager has put the block on any players leaving the Dutch club.

Sulejmani, 21, has reportedly told Dutch newspaper AD Sportwereld he is unhappy with the delay.

West Ham are unwilling to let star striker Carlton Cole leave the club for anything less than £12 million, with any cash-plus-player offers certain to be rejected.

The Hammers are expected to officially announce that Avram Grant will be the club’s new manager on Thursday, and the former Portsmouth boss has earmarked four or five players who he would like to sign in order to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.

But any moves for new players will need to be funded, with the sale of England internationals Cole and Matthew Upson the most likely source of finance.

West Ham United academy chief Tony Carr rates Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole as the most naturally-gifted young player he came across.

Carr is the head of West Ham’s famed youth academy system, which means Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe passed under his guidance and tonight the majority will be back in east London to pay tribute to their former mentor who is being rewarded for his 37 years of loyal service with a testimonial match.